Some of the special-interest groups opposed to tax increases or spending cuts in President Obama's proposed 2010 budget plan are facing a more immediate pocketbook problem: The recession has sapped their ability to fight back.

Wanted: Democratic congressional aide seeking new career. Must have strong powers of persuasion, excellent connections and good marksmanship. Contact the National Rifle Association's government affairs office for details.

Just three months ago, House Speaker Dennis Hastert went before TV cameras to say he was "deeply disturbed" by the money-and-influence scandal that was sweeping the capital. His top remedies: to ban gifts from lobbyists to members of Congress, and to prohibit "fact-finding" trips paid for by private interests.

A scramble is on to write new rules restricting how lobbyists ply their influence trade as the capital is embroiled in a spreading corruption scandal. Bills aiming to chill the relationships between lobbyists and members of Congress, stalled for months, are now on a fast track as leaders battle the perception of misconduct.